49ers LB Malcolm Smith eager to play in preseason

Established NFL players aren’t often eager to play in preseason games, but 49ers inside linebacker Malcolm Smith, 29, is an exception.

The seven-year veteran hasn’t played in a game since Jan. 7, 2007, when he was with the Raiders, so the preseason opener on Thursday against the Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium might be circled on his calendar.

“I think it’s going to be really important for me to get out there and get a feel for the game,” Smith said. “Just being in the stadium — I haven’t played in this stadium — so that will be exciting.”

Smith hasn’t played a snap for the 49ers since signing a five-year deal with $11.5 million guaranteed 17 months ago. Last year, his season ended early in training camp when he sustained a torn pectoral in practice. This season, he was sidelined for the first four training-camp practices due to a lower leg injury he sustained shortly before he reported to Santa Clara.

“I just had a training setback — just kind of random accident,” Smith said. “It’s just tough (because) the timing was really bad, especially being away for a year. There’s a lot of mind games that go into that.”

Smith, a former Super Bowl MVP, is expected to start alongside Reuben Foster this season, although he could be pushed by rookie Fred Warner. He indicated he’s found his stride in recent practices, but needs to test himself in a game, even if it doesn’t count.

“This isn’t the real thing,” Smith said. “So we’ve got to get to the real thing.”

Injury report: Cornerbacks Richard Sherman (hamstring) and K’Waun Williams (ankle) will both be sidelined for at least a week.

That qualifies as good news for Williams, who didn’t suffer a high ankle sprain in practice Sunday. As for Sherman, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who was on the Seahawks staff when Sherman played with Seattle, isn’t too concerned about him missing preseason action.

“Sherm has great conviction that he’ll be back sooner than later,” Saleh said. “I’ve always stood by it. When Sherm says something, it’s going to happen. He feels pretty good about being back within the next week, week and a half. It’s not anything major.

“I don’t know how many reps he needs at this point in his career, but Sherm knows how to be prepared for the season.”